Illegal wildlife products seized

The largest-ever seizure in Australia of products made from threatened wildlife has been made by customs officers in Sydney.

The discovery of 160 kilograms of illegal imported wildlife products in two shipping containers in September led to further searches this week which uncovered body parts from endangered tigers, snakes and rhinoceros.

The seizures are the result of a joint operation between the Department of Heritage and the Australian Customs Service.

Environment and Heritage Minister David Kemp said officers found 40 kilograms of scales from the threatened Asian Scaly Anteater and 120 kilograms of an endangered plant used in traditional medicines.

"These are species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, as unregulated trade is a major threat to their survival," Dr Kemp said in a statement.

Investigations into the seized products were continuing and charges were expected to be laid soon.

Dr Kemp said the seizure showed the Australian government was serious about fighting the trade of illegal commodities.

"We are determined to protect threatened species here and overseas, and to ensure the elimination of the illegal trade in wildlife," he said.